30 Players in 30 Days: Victor Cruz

Scott Thompson

03/01/2016

The Giants star wideout will try to make his long-awaited comeback this upcoming season.

Player Profile: New Jersey native, Victor Cruz, has been a Giant since the team signed him as an undrafted free agent back in 2010. Making his debut in 2011 due to a injury plagued receiving core, Cruz took the league by storm accumulating 1,536 receiving yards which stills stands as the most in a single season by a Giant. More recently, however, injuries put a halt to the 29-year-old’s blossoming career. Cruz will battle to get back on the field in 2016.

2015 highlights: Cruz underwent season ending surgery in 2015 to repair his torn calf muscle. It was an injury he was battling with since about mid-August of last year. The wide out has not played since Oct. 12, 2013, a game against the Eagles where he tore his right patella tendon that ended his 2014 campaign. Before his injuries, Cruz was lighting up Metlife Stadium with his exceptional hands and route running. He almost racked up 1,000+ yards in his first three seasons, falling a mere two yards short in 2013. The veteran will continue to rehab his calf in hope that the Giants have faith in their former star this offseason.

Contract Situation: Cruz initially signed long-term with the Giants in a six-year, $45 million contract. It contains $15 million guaranteed including a $9.5 million signing bonus. However, due to the fact his injuries make him unpredictable, the Giants probably won’t be willing to pay Cruz the $7.9 million he is supposed to receive in 2016. If they do decide to keep the wideout, a one-year, incentive-based deal will most likely be the case. Cruz says he is confident a deal will be made this offseason.

Tradable/Untradeable: Cruz is definitely untradeable. No team is willing to trade for a player who has be laden with injury especially at a position where the same injury can occur again. This is why the Giants seem hesitant to answer whether or not Cruz will return to Big Blue in 2016.

2016 Outlook: The Giants fan in me wants to see Cruz come back after he burst onto the scene a few years back. His skill is undeniable. The looming question will be if his body is physically ready to endure another grueling NFL season. GM Jerry Reese has commented saying he is “under contract,” hinting that he is still a Giant and the team will thoroughly look into the situation. If signed, Cruz and the Giants both hope that he will be performing his signature salsa in the end zone in 2016.